Cajun Music

An emblematic music of Louisiana played by the Cajuns, rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians of Canada. Cajun music is often mentioned in tandem with the Creole-based zydeco music, both of Acadiana origin, and both of which have influenced the other in many ways. Cajun music has an infectious beat and forward drive, placing the accordion at the center. Besides the voices, only two melodic instruments are heard, the accordion and fiddle, but usually in the background can also be heard the high, clear tones of a metal triangle. The harmonies of Cajun music are simple, and the melodic range is just one octave, rising a fifth above the tonic and descending a fourth below. 1920s–    .